A lacking sense of masculinity. But at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the tables have turned my friends.

Making its big-time debut was the seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle. Equipped with a four-cylinder, six-cylinder or six-cylinder hybrid option, there's plenty of optionality. And sporting its new look, it's actually a pretty handsome product. Is it a bit plain, yes. Is it a lot more beefy and purposeful, yes.

But here's the curveball: to my eyes, it actually looks a lot more domesticated. Although it has some Infiniti JX-like qualities here and there — note the headlights/taillights — I have to say its a very strong design.

AND, if you take a close look at its interior, it looks like a pretty happening place to be. The gauge cluster, shifter — which is angled towards the driver — and matte wood trim reminds me of being in a Lexus.

Though I am seemingly convinced, what about you?

Is the all-new Toyota Highlander bringing the brand to a new level of detail, refinement and design?

All-New 2014 Toyota Highlander SUV Makes World Debut at 2013 New York Auto Show

All-New Dynamic, Sleek Exterior Design

Refined, Premium Interior with Advanced Technologies

New Six-Speed Automatic with Sequential Shift on V6 Models

Available Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive

Available Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

NEW YORK - The all-new third-generation 2014 Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

An all-new exterior design conveys both refinement and strength, complementing a new interior that will raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment. With three-row seating for up to eight, an array of standard features, a host of available in-cabin technologies, and increased cargo capacity, the new Highlander will offer a nuanced balance of style, comfort and utility. The total package is capped off with three powertrain choices: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine a powerful V6 with a new six-speed transmission that will produce excellent all-around capability, and a V6-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain for enhanced mileage and fewer emissions.

Sophisticated, Dynamic Exterior is Sleek and Strong Sophisticated and dynamic, the new Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a lower roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. The exterior has grown in length by approximately three inches while width is increased one-half inch, conveying a sleek and strong appearance.

From the front, Highlander’s hood merges with a redesigned trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlamps and deeply chiseled fenders for a more aggressive appearance.

The length of the profile, from the front fenders to the rear quarter panels, boldly stands out with sculptured wheel wells at the corners, allowing for prominently protruding wheels. The total package is capped off by a newly designed rear lift-gate with one-touch power open/close and driver selectable memory height settings, and taillights and bumper that exude style and strength.

Highlander’s body structure will include high-strength steel in the front pillars for increased rigidity. Visibility has been improved through precise repositioning of the front A-pillars, while the size of the rear quarter glass has been increased to provide a wider view for driver and occupants.

Refinement is enhanced through improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures. Interior noise reduction is achieved through a 30 percent expansion of silencing insulation materials in the floor areas. Acoustic-type glass is used for the windshield to help reduce noise entering the cabin, and even the panoramic moonroof design works to help reduce wind noise, even when the moonroof is open.

Vibration is minimized through expanded coverage of the dash silencer, enhancements to body sealing, and the strategic placement of three hydraulic engine mounts. Improvements in the exhaust layout have been made for additional noise and vibration reduction.

Premium Interior Design with Advanced Functionality Toyota engineers raised the bar on interior design for the mid-size SUV segment by adding even more refinement and functionality to the new Highlander. The 2014 model will offer a premium interior highlighted by increased spaciousness for up to eight people, and an array of standard comfort, convenience and technology features.

The new Highlander’s interior utilizes premium materials to offer an upscale experience, with most models featuring standard contrast seat stitching. All Highlanders will come equipped with a soft-touch instrument panel; and silver-painted, satin, and chrome-plated accents that are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior. Wood-grain pattern trim can be found on the front dash and door trim for an added touch of elegance. Premium fabrics, available smooth and perforated leather-trim seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add to Highlander’s redesigned upscale interior. The adoption of a high quality knit roof lining and available second-row sunshades add to Highlander’s refinement and comfort.

A new roll-top center console box with a dampened sliding door provides a comfortable armrest, or when fully opened is large enough to hold a large handbag. All Highlanders will feature a newly designed in-meter-cluster Multi-Information Display. Available ambient lighting around the front dash and doors add to the refined environment.

The second row offers bench-seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders for added convenience. Getting into the third-row is made easier with the addition of a one-step second-row sliding seat function that provides nearly three more inches of space for easier entry and exit to the third-row. An overall interior width increase of 4.3 inches in the third-row and a standard recline function creates added comfort for up to three passengers. Like the second-row bench, the third-row will be 40/60 split for added passenger and storage flexibility and convenience. Rear cargo space behind the third-row has also increased by up to 34 percent for added storage.

Improved Dynamic Performance, Handling, Efficiency The new Highlander will be available in three powertrains. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual Variable-Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize torque and fuel efficiency. The 2.7-liter engine is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

A 3.5-liter V6 is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. Acceleration and fuel efficiency are improved thanks to a new six-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) that offers selectable manual sequential shifting.

The Highlander Hybrid model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system pairs the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator for additional power and fuel efficiency.

The new Highlander will provide a more dynamic driving experience, with new technologies that include Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD), enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering. The spring rates and the shock absorbers have been optimally tuned to help enhance the vehicles handling characteristics.

Highlander’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system automatically shifts from front-wheel drive (FWD) to AWD when accelerating or when sensors detect wheel slippage. The driver is able to view the torque-distribution settings on the meter display.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system continuously monitors and controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in the rear differential.

Front to rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to help improve fuel consumption.

The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system uses information sent from various sensors (speed, steering angle and speed, throttle angle and yaw rate) to automatically govern the transmission of torque to the rear wheels, as required.

A sophisticated, high-speed interactive management system coordinates control of the Dynamic Torque Control AWD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems to enhance Highlander’s performance, handling and safety.

Advanced In-Cabin, Multimedia Connectivity All new Highlanders come equipped with Toyota’s Entune™ multimedia system. The Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth® and voice recognition is standard, while an eight-inch touchscreen system and Toyota’s Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers is also available.

The new Highlander will also offer an available Rear Seat Entertainment system with an RCA coaxial input terminal at the rear of the center console to allow external devices, such as gaming systems, to be connected.

Comprehensive Array of Safety & Convenience Features All 2014 Highlander’s will have eight standard airbags. Like every Toyota, Highlander will feature the standard Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control. All AWD models will have an AWD LOCK switch.

Okay knucle heads listen up! The Highlander is not the bread and butter model in the line-up, but it is just another excellent chess move from the Industry's BEST and TOP Automaker, the Toyota Motor Corp.Make no mistake about it, Toyota is just getting warmed up. VW, Audi, BMW, Merc and whoever can only wish they can introduce a new model that is guaranteed to be of excellent build quality right out of the starting blocks. This new Highland once again is an example of the type of strategic assertiveness we see coming from both the Toyota and Lexus Premium Brands. HATERS BEWARE!!!

Exterior styling looks much, much better than the Pathfinder. But the Pathfinder's interior takes this, hands down. Why in hell would any car company put a dust-collecting "shelf" on the dashboard like that? the previous Highlander's dash design was really beautiful and this one looks outright cheap, like the RAV4's.

Overall, looks nice on the outside and inside although the dash is a little boring in design, but looks of decent quality. The grill is what I don't get. It looks too similar to the Tundra pickup truck. For the majority of people driving the Highlander, which would be women, I don't think that was a good idea to mimic the Tundra's grill design.

-USNA1999, You wish you could get that close to Akio, and just think what his reaction would be if you did get your wish? I'am pretty sure a race car driving Mr. Toyoda is very approachable person who enjoys chating with anyone that buys or least his LS460 flagship. Oh yeah, and dont forget to tell him how you just wish that your European likes could somehow bring their offerings up to the level of craftsmanship his (Akio's Engineers) guys have done with the LS. Wow, let me know how that goes will ya!

I only have 3 days in Tokyo before flying back to Florida. If I were to spend time with a CEO it would be my boss since he pays the bills and not some guy who doesn't gives a rats ass about you or I except for the money he can get from us.. No doubt that the level of craftsmanship is definitely in an LS but for some reason worldwide numbers don't reflect than when compared to S-class, A8 and 7 series numbers. I wonder why? Maybe craftsmanship can only carry Lexus so far. You know what, I intend on trading in the LS in about a year and a half, not sure for what yet since I am opened to a lot of different brands and styles. Once I take delivery of the new car I will honestly let you know how it compares to others instead of making assumptions on car I don't own or even driven.

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